Vale Tudo gains following
on campus as martial art

By Carrie Mitchell
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Vale Tudo is a sport growing in popularity around the nation and also here on campus.

Vale Tudo is a mixed martial arts sport, which involves many different aspects of fighting in a competition.

Styles such as kickboxing, grappling and judo can all be incorporated in a Vale Tudo fight.

At NU, Vale Tudo is more than just a spectator's sport for a few students.

Dan Johnson, 20, a junior from Tacoma, Wa., actually participated in his first Vale Tudo competition on Oct. 13, 2000. And he's going back for more.

"I got a draw, but it was enough to hook me," Johnson said. "I know I'm going back."

What's the appeal of a sport like this?

Nate Buchannon, 19, a computer science major from Plymouth, Mass., began with submission grappling and then got involved with Vale Tudo, which is a greater contact sport.

"I did it once and got hooked," Buchannon said.

Joe Cuff, a matchmaker from the North American Grappling Association, said the popularity of mixed martial arts is definitely growing.

"The fan support keeps growing as does the number of athletes that compete," Cuff said. "If you're into contact sports and you want to test yourself, then I would suggested you try it."

Vale Tudo is no more dangerous than football, hockey or boxing, Cuff said.

"There have been broken limbs, concussions and cuts, but these occur in all contact sports," Cuff explained.

Vinney Thomas, 19, a criminal justice major from Pascoag, R.I., was drawn into this sport because it's very competitive. "You're going to go up against some of the best; not everyone has the guts to do something like this."

To compete in a mixed martial arts competition, participants definitely should have some experience and some skill, Thomas advised.

"You need the skill to win but you need the experience to know what to expect in a fight and how to deal with it," Thomas said. Buchannon agrees with Thomas that experience is a "big help in the ring, experience is important because you know what's going on. You're more relaxed."

Past experience in wrestling, grappling or a martial art also helps in a Vale Tudo competition, Thomas said.

"If you're well rounded in fighting on your feet, then you have a better advantage over your opponent," Thomas said.

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